CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – A memorial service was held Sunday at McGregor Park to remember Paton Powers who at 17 years old, was hit by a vehicle while crossing Riverside Drive on February 14th.

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“Life Goes On” is the philosophy that Pat Powers lives by in the aftermath of the death of his son Paton, whose heart was donated to save the life of another.

In attendance at the ceremony was the recipient of Paton’s heart, Billie Jean Grace of Hopkinsville.  Paton’s family had given permission to use his organs to save the life of others after he died at Vanderbilt hospital a few days after the accident.

Grace’s story began when she had a heart defect as an infant that progressively deteriorated during her adulthood and after the births of her children.  She went through several surgeries and pace makers and defibrillators until the doctors told her that she should be put on the National Registry to wait for a new heart.

The wait was short as she was matched to Paton for a heart transplant immediately.  When asked how she was feeling after receiving the new heart, she said, “A few months ago I wasn’t even able to walk to the mailbox, and now I’m feeling great”.

A Yoshino cherry tree was planted at the park to remember Paton with a message at the base of the tree reminding people the importance of being organ donors.



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